Business Briefs

YOUNGSTOWN — Second Harvest Food Bank announces a $3,000 grant from The Darden Foundation to assist in its efforts of providing help to people facing hunger.

The grant will allow Second Harvest to provide more food to people in need in the Mahoning Valley.

“One in six people struggle with hunger in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties including 1 in 4 children,” said Michael Iberis, executive director, Second Harvest Food Bank. “Hunger does not discriminate and there are many children, families and seniors who turn to our food bank for help. The Darden Foundation’s donation will go a long way for the people in our community.”

A release states, The Darden Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity in communities across the United States. Their commitment to help is demonstrated through their partnership with Feeding America and their network of 200 food banks across the nation.

Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, a member of Feeding America, assists 148 hunger-relief programs in the Tri-County area. These include church pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, shelters for battered women, and after-school programs. In 2017, the Food Bank distributed 10.6 million pounds of food, including more than 3 million pounds of produce. For more information on the Food Bank, please visit www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org or call 330-792-5522.

Cusick earns honor from Century 21

CALCUTTA — Jean Cusick has been awarded the honor of Top Listing and Selling Agent at Century 21 Lakeside Realty for the 2nd quarter of 2018.

Cusick also has been awarded The Top Selling Agent Award for 2017.

She was formerly associated with Gallagher Clark and Carney Realty which is now a part of Century 21 Lakeside.

Appointments may be made by calling the automated phone service at 1-844-493-1198. Based on available staff, a limited number of walk-in applicants will be taken 8-9 a.m. daily.

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program allows for a one-time electric utility payment for eligible households. This assistance must result in a continuation of electric service for at least 30 days.

Additional questions, including documentation needed and other eligibility requirements, visit the www.caaofcc.org. Additional information available at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or at 800-282-0880.

Kroger introduces online delivery

NEW YORK (AP) — Kroger is introducing online delivery as customer convenience becomes an increasingly crucial element to gain loyalty in a hyper-competitive atmosphere.

Online grocery shopping is still a tiny part of the market, but supermarket operators are betting that more people will want to buy their milk and bread from their smartphone or computer, especially after Amazon bought Whole Foods a year ago. The online retailer rolled out 2-hour delivery for its Prime members in some cities, lowered prices on select groceries and launched special discounts.

Others are trying to catch up with Amazon and they’re threatening grocers. Target bought grocery delivery company Shipt last year to boost its same-day delivery capabilities. And Walmart, like Kroger, has expanded their curbside pickup service, which lets shoppers buy their groceries online and pick up at the store.

Kroger Ship launched Wednesday in Cincinnati, its hometown, as well as Houston; Louisville, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee. It will expand to other markets over the next few months. Kroger is the biggest grocery chain in the country with 2,800 stores under a number of names.

Delivery is free for any order with a tab exceeding $35. Smaller deliveries are $4.99 per order.